Punjabi Garam Masala

Can you smell it?  I just ground up spices to make Punjabi garam masala.  Garam masala is a warming spice mixture added to Indian food.  Warming, not hot.  Think cinnamon, that lovely warm heat.  No chilies. 

This garam masala contains cinnamon, bay leaves, peppercorns, coriander, cumin, cloves, and I tossed in some cardamom seeds 'cause I love cardamom.

Heat up a small frying pan and put it all in.  Toast, without burning for a couple of minutes.  When you smell it, it's done.  Put on a plate to cool.  When cool, put in a coffee grinder (which is NEVER used for coffee, just spices), and grind away.  It helps to break up the pieces of cinnamon.

I'll use it in an Indian tomato sauce , e.g. a butter masala sauce, or anywhere else that a garam masala is called for.

You cannot imagine how good it smells.  Don't buy the junk at the market; make your own!